Beste Naturalist podcasts (2025)

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Episode 264: The Next Generation 37:41

21d ago37:41

37:41

Every season must come to an end so a new season may begin. A warm and engaging nature expert whose voice we've enjoyed for seven seasons is signing off, ushering in a new era of The Wandering Naturalist. Wander with us as we talk about this big change and what's in store for the podcast for season eight. New and exciting journeys are ahead!…

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Dire Wolves Died Out ... Are They Now Back From Extinction? 36:04

24d ago36:04

36:04

Send us a text Send us a text In Episode #53 of Season #4, I will discuss the company Colossal Biosciences and it's attempt at bringing back an animal, the Dire Wolf, from it's 10,000 year extinction. The Dire Wolf DNA is not 100% Dire Wolf DNA but it has some Gray Wolf DNA segments to make the DNA complete. Because of this, many people are upset t…

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The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 — What's Really on Your Produce? 12:51

4d ago12:51

12:51

In this quick but eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take a closer look at the Environmental Working Group's annual Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists—two rankings that help consumers understand which fruits and vegetables carry the highest (and lowest) pesticide residues. Whether you shop for your family, your backyard …

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Quiet Invasives — Why Invasive Plants Spread, and What You Can Do About It 28:44

11d ago28:44

28:44

In this eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie sit down with Benjy Strope, Private Lands Management Biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, to explore the sneaky, persistent, and surprisingly complex world of invasive plants. Inspired by Benjy's article "Quiet Invasives," this conversation gets ri…

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Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees — Which Is Better for You and the Environment? 11:06

18d ago11:06

11:06

In this festive episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie dig into a holiday-season debate that comes up year after year: Should you buy a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? The answer may surprise you and it definitely has more to do with nature, sustainability, and even family traditions than you might expect. Debbie and Lauri…

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Episode 263: Stories in the Snow - Deer Guts 30:48

21d ago30:48

30:48

Grace Milanowski, Coordinator, Offal Wildlife Watching Project (with UMN Extension) and Dr. Ellen Candler from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, talk to us about the project they are doing in partnership with Minnesota hunters to see what visits gut piles from deer. Hunters are participating in citizen science by putting trail cams by their deer…

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Episode 262: Stories in the Snow - Connecting to Lakota Knowledge 26:30

21d ago26:30

26:30

Michael Kurtz, enrolled member from the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, shares how he taught himself to read animal signs and photograph them. He talks about the experiences with animals he has had following animal signs and how it connects him to the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of his ancestors.…

1
Episode 261: Stories in the Snow - Reading the Stories 36:45

21d ago36:45

36:45

Adrian Iacovino, Education Program Coordinator at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and professional animal tracker, wanders with us as he recounts how he learned to read the stories left by animal tracks and signs. He shares some of his favorite stories, the community behind tracking, and how listeners can learn to read animal stories. He also dis…

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Encore Episode: Animal Adaptations with Wildlife Expert Stan Tekiela 26:27

1M ago26:27

26:27

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're revisiting a fan-favorite conversation with wildlife expert, naturalist, and author Stan Tekiela, a flock-level guest whose knowledge always leaves us wide-eyed and amazed. In this encore episode, Stan takes us on a deep dive into the remarkable world of animal adaptations, exploring how species survive,…

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What Do I Do If I Find…? Wildlife Rehab Q&A with Ruby Davis 31:29

1M ago31:29

31:29

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome back "Flocker" and trusted friend of the show, Ruby Davis of NC Wildlife Rehab, for a rapid-fire myth-busting session about what to do when you encounter wildlife in your own backyard. From possums playing dead to raccoons out in the daytime, baby bunnies hidden in plain sight, …

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Encore: The Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Kelly Oten 23:16

2M ago23:16

23:16

In this encore presentation of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne revisit one of the most important conversations of Season 2 — their discussion with Dr. Kelly Oten, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at NC State University, about the invasive and destructive Spotted Lanternfly. This brightly colored but harmfu…

1
Episode 260: Native American Life in the Suburbs - Basset Creek/ Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ 32:09

2M ago32:09

32:09

Before Basset Creek was named Basset Creek it was named by the Dakota and called Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ. Tawnya Stewart, an Ojibwe woman who grew up within a few miles of the creek talks about what it was like growing up in Hennepin County suburbs as a Native person. She explores why the original names of the landscapes are important, why she likes dual nam…

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Episode 259: Native American Life in the Suburbs - Life in the Suburbs 25:27

2M ago25:27

25:27

Dr. Kasey Keeler wanders with us to discuss her personal experience and her professional research on life in the suburbs as a Native American in Hennepin County. We discuss what it is like growing up as a Native person in the suburbs, how access to nature can be improved, and why suburbs are often overlooked as Native places.…

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Episode 258: Native American Life in the Suburbs - Paul Bunyan 31:57

2M ago31:57

31:57

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Big Blue Ox are classic stories in Minnesota culture. Where did these stories originate from? How are they connected to Ojibwe culture and history? How have these stories shaped our views of history? Dr. Deondre Smiles discusses his research on the origin of Paul Bunyon stories and the impacts it has had on Ojibwe life.…

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Troubleshooting Bird Feeding — Solving Common Backyard Challenges 33:17

2M ago33:17

33:17

Even the most dedicated backyard bird lovers sometimes run into trouble, empty feeders, spoiled seed, or disappearing birds. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and producer Chris roll up their sleeves to help listeners troubleshoot their bird-feeding setups. From moldy seed and filler-heavy mixes to misplaced feeders and s…

1
Critical Mast: Oak Trees with Zarah Wyly 1:12:59

2M ago1:12:59

1:12:59

We need every single species of native tree here in California, but our 20+ varieties of native oaks are the most crucial of all. In this episode, join me and my guest, Zarah Wyly, on a walk through a relatively new oak woodland in Folsom dotted with two ancient, magnificent oak trees. Learn the story of how this unusual woodland came to be, find o…

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🎃 Encore Episode: We're Talkin' About Pumpkins 12:06

2M ago12:06

12:06

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're revisiting one of our most popular and seasonally fitting episodes, "We're Talkin' About Pumpkins!" Originally aired in October 2021, this encore favorite is the perfect listen for fall. Join Debbie and Laurie as they explore the fascinating world of pumpkins, from surprising agricultural facts and recor…

1
🐺🦌🐞🕷️ Updates on Various: Revisiting Red Wolves, Chronic Wasting Disease, Spotted Lanternflies, and Joro Spiders 17:40

2M ago17:40

17:40

In this week's episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take listeners on a fascinating update tour of several topics previously featured on the show, all of which continue to evolve in the natural world. From hopeful signs of recovery to growing ecological concerns, this episode is packed with new developments and ways for citizen sc…

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Fall in Your Habitat: Simple Seasonal Swaps That Make a Big Difference 18:03

2M ago18:03

18:03

As the seasons turn and the air gets crisp, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris are diving into everything fall for your wildlife habitat! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, the team explores how to make the most of autumn's natural bounty, especially those fallen leaves. Should you rake them up, blow them away, or just "leave the leaves"? The answ…

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Wings in the Backyard: Butterfly Gardening with Pamela Grundy 31:27

3M ago31:27

31:27

If you've ever dreamed of turning your backyard (or even your balcony!) into a haven for butterflies, this episode is for you. Debbie and Laurie welcome Pamela Grundy — historian, writer, and passionate butterfly gardener from Charlotte, North Carolina — to share her journey into creating thriving butterfly gardens and inspiring others to do the sa…

1
Episode 257: Inconceivable Slime Molds - Slime that's Write?! 30:15

3M ago30:15

30:15

OK, slime molds don't write. But amazing things have been written about them, allowing us to appreciate their wonder, explore societal ideas, and inspire future scientists. Dr. Lacy Johnson, from Rice University in Texas joins us to discuss why she chose to write a creative writing essay on slime molds and why she views creative writing as essentia…

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Episode 256: Inconceivable Slime Molds - Slime that's Intelligent?! 19:17

3M ago19:17

19:17

How is intelligence defined? If you define it as learning and applying knowledge, then slime molds are intelligent. How did scientists determine this? How is a single celled organism with no brain or sensory organs able to experience its world and learn from it? Dr. Nirosha Murugan from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario Canada wanders with us t…

1
Episode 255: Inconceivable Slime Molds - Slime that Moves?! 37:07

3M ago37:07

37:07

What is a slime mold? It is an inconceivable single celled organism that can weigh up to 40 pounds, think and learn, and crawl around the forest floor searching for food. How can a single celled organism be 44 pounds, learn, and move? Matt the Regular Slime Guy joins us to help introduce us to what a slime mold is and how such an inconceivable crea…

1
Season 5 Kickoff: Celebrating 4 Years of Nature, Curiosity & Community 42:14

3M ago42:14

42:14

The Backyard Naturalists are back for Season 5! In this special anniversary episode, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris take a fun walk down memory lane to celebrate over four years, 200+ episodes, and more than 106,000 listens across all 50 U.S. states and 137 countries. From their very first kitchen table recording during COVID to becoming a Saturday morn…

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Symbiotic Cities with Kat Superfisky 1:17:32

3M ago1:17:32

1:17:32

Can cities be good for wildlife? Or at least not so bad? What changes would we need to make to welcome more life into our cities? How would those changes impact humans? What are other cities already trying? Come with me and Kat Superfisky to the largest city in California, where we discuss all of this and so much more. Note: This interview was reco…

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Joro Spiders: Beautiful, Bizarre, and in Your Backyard" 18:20

3M ago18:20

18:20

🕷️ What's big, colorful, and showing up in backyards across the Southeast? Debbie and Laurie are diving into the world of Joro spiders, and trust us, this is one episode you won't want to miss! From their eye-popping golden webs to their wild habit of "ballooning" through the air as babies, these spiders are making quite an entrance in the Carolina…

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North Carolina Conservation Network with Kristen Rhodes 18:00

3M ago18:00

18:00

In this episode, Debbie and Laurie sit down with Kristen Rhodes, an organizer with the North Carolina Conservation Network (NCCN), to explore the power of grassroots action in protecting our state's environment. Kristen introduces NCCN as a statewide network of more than 60 environmental and justice organizations, all working collaboratively to saf…

1
Saving California: How 30x30 Is Growing the Conservation Movement in the Golden State 43:56

3M ago43:56

43:56

California is one of only 36 Global Biodiversity Hotspots. This means that we have incredible species richness with at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species. But here's the bummer. In order to be considered a Global Biodiversity hotspot, a place must also be threatened. So threatened, in fact, that it must have only 30% or less of its original…

1
Lighting Up the Night with Fireflies 31:19

4M ago31:19

31:19

This week, Debbie and Laurie welcome Ben Pfeiffer, founder of Firefly Conservation and Research, for a glowing conversation all about one of nature's most magical creatures — the firefly! ✨🐞 Or, depending on where you grew up, the lightning bug. Ben shares his passion and deep knowledge of these enchanting insects, explaining why firefly population…

1
The LA River with Kat Superfisky 45:30

4M ago45:30

45:30

Descend with me and LA's first ever urban ecologist into the concrete channel of the Los Angeles River as we discuss novel ecosystems, eminent domain, Greased Lightnin', flood prevention, Ice Cube, soft bottoms, emerald necklaces, and why the LA River is the perfect microcosm of everything LA was, is, and one day could be. Helpful Links: Kat’s webs…

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Episode 254: Wonders of Wild Rice - What is it? 1854 Treaty Authority 24:21

4M ago24:21

24:21

Darren Vogt, Resource Management Division Director at 1854 Treaty Authority, joins us to discuss what the 1854 Treaty Authority is, how the Ojibwe views on partnership with the land impact how the 1854 Treaty Authority stewards the land and the living things on it, and how wild rice being viewed as a gift by the Ojibwe creates a different perspecti…

1
Episode 253: Wonders of Wild Rice - Restoring it in Three Rivers 23:35

4M ago23:35

23:35

How do you restore wild rice to an area? Steven Hogg, Senior Manager of Wildlife at Three Rivers Park District, talks about the work done to bring back wild rice. From sourcing seeds, to distributing them, and making sure it grows Steven talks about the challenges, what he's learned, and how the restoration is going at Three Rivers.…

1
Episode 252: Wonders of Wild Rice - What is it? 36:51

4M ago36:51

36:51

Wild rice can be found in every grocery store, but what is it? Is it a rice? A grain? Find out as we learn about this uniquely North American food that has been in Minnesota for at least 12,000 years. Ann Geisen from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wanders with us as we paddle through that rich history and context around wild rice in …

1
Bizarre Animal Behaviors – Nature Gets Weird! 14:37

4M ago14:37

14:37

Ever heard of a shrew with venomous saliva, a vulture that cools off by pooping on its own legs, or a bird that impales its prey on barbed wire? 🦨🦅🐦 This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris take you on a wild ride through some of the strangest, funniest, and downright bizarre behaviors in the animal kingdom. You'll hear jaw-…

1
🌿 Summer in Your Habitat 39:23

4M ago39:23

39:23

Summer is STILL here, and if you've stepped outside lately, you've probably felt it too—sweltering heat, sticky air, and maybe even a few critters making themselves a little too comfortable in your backyard. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie (with Chris chiming in, of course!) share a lighthearted but practical guide to…

1
iNaturalist – Connecting People, Nature, and Science 27:55

4M ago27:55

27:55

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome Allison Young, Director of Outreach Programs for iNaturalist, the global platform that's changing the way people experience nature. Whether you're snapping a photo of a butterfly in your backyard, spotting a rare bird on a hike, or identifying tracks in the mud, iNaturalist turns thos…

1
More Random Wanderings and Wonderings 27:46

5M ago27:46

27:46

Welcome back, nature lovers! After a few weeks of summer break, The Backyard Naturalists are back with another brand-new episode, and this one's all about embracing the spontaneity that summer inspires. In this week's episode, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris settle in for another unscripted (and unplanned) conversation that meanders through the joys and …

1
Episode 251: Urban Trees - Preventing Future Ash Borers 27:49

5M ago27:49

27:49

Dr. Adam Berland from Ball State University joins us to talk about research on why trees are important for people in an urban environment. He also talks to us about the surprising conclusions from his research in Minneapolis on how urban foresters can plant trees to prevent future large die offs from climate change and invasive species such as we'v…

1
Episode 250: Urban Trees - The Next Generation 17:36

5M ago17:36

17:36

Laila Bacon and Makayla Freeman started working with Analyah Schlaeger do Santos when they were 14 years old. Seven years later they are still planting trees in Hennepin County were tree deserts exist, and teaching their community how to plant and care for the trees. Join us as they discuss why this work is important to them, the accomplishments an…

1
Episode 249: Urban Trees - Starting with the Community 26:54

5M ago26:54

26:54

Trees provide health, economic, and many other benefits just by being present. However, some suburbs and urban areas in and around Minneapolis and Hennepin County are tree deserts. Analyah Schlaeger dos Santos, Environmental Justice Youth Director & Global Climate Justice Coordinator, MN Interfaith Power and Light, among many other things,. Joins u…

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The Plant That Ate the World: All About Japanese Knotweed 22:21

5M ago22:21

22:21

What do you get when you cross a fast-growing, hard-to-kill, concrete-cracking plant with curious naturalists and a microphone? You get this week's brand-new episode of The Backyard Naturalists! Debbie and Laurie are back and diving into the wild, weird world of Japanese knotweed—also known as "the plant that ate the world." It's not every day a pl…

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Fantastic Foxes: Rehab and Real Talk with Elizabeth Negron 25:40

5M ago25:40

25:40

This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're diving nose-first into the world of foxes with Elizabeth Negron, Director of Foxtales Wildlife Rehab in Midland, Virginia. Elizabeth shares her journey from Washington State to the East Coast, driven by her lifelong fascination with foxes. She offers incredible insights into their behavior, biology, diet…

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Encore Episode: Bye-Bye, Seed Bandits! Meet the Squirrel Buster 19:29

5M ago19:29

19:29

We're reaching back to one of our most popular episodes for this week's encore—and trust us, it's a fan favorite for a reason! If squirrels have ever turned your bird feeders into their personal buffet, this one's for you. Debbie and Lori are joined by Tatiana Thompson of Brome Bird Care, makers of the innovative Squirrel Buster bird feeders. Broad…

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Encore: Skunks, Sass, and Surprises with Ruby Davis 35:25

5M ago35:25

35:25

Have you ever wondered what's really going on with the skunks in your backyard? 🦨 In this fascinating encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie sit down once again with fan-favorite Ruby Davis for a deep dive into one of nature's most misunderstood creatures. Ruby brings her signature blend of expertise and storytelling to…

1
Encore: Host Plants, Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies 17:57

6M ago17:57

17:57

It's pollinator season in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than by rolling out the red carpet for butterflies? In this encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie share practical, inspiring ways to support these winged wonders — starting with host plants. From milkweed for monarchs to passionflower for Gulf fritillarie…

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Episode 248: Fisher Facts - THE Fisher Guy 28:46

6M ago28:46

28:46

While connecting with fisher researchers Angela and Brandon were told over and over that there was one researcher they had to talk to. Dr. Roger Powell, Professor Emeritus at NC State University in North Carolina has been researching fishers for decades and is considered the expert on them. He shares his insights into fishers, how he raised fishers…

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Episode 247: Fisher Facts - Research in the City 31:26

6M ago31:26

31:26

Dr. Michael Joyce of the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota joins us to talk about why NRRI is researching fishers as they move from the north woods to southern Minnesota. What are the risks and rewards for a fisher living in a Three Rivers Park? How is he studying fishers? How can you help his research? Wand…

1
Episode 246: Fisher Facts - What is a Fisher? 25:21

6M ago25:21

25:21

Fishers have been moving from northern Minnesota south and can now be seen in the Twin Cities area. What is a fisher? Join Brandon and Angela as they discuss what makes this large member of the weasel family special, and the special adaptations it has to help it hunt foods from rabbits to porcupines.…

1
Snake Deterrents: What Works, What Doesn't 30:35

6M ago30:35

30:35

Summer is heating up across the Carolinas, and that means snakes are on the move — and stirring up plenty of conversation. In this episode, Debbie and Laurie bust myths and tackle misinformation about snake deterrents, exploring what truly works (and what absolutely doesn't) to keep these fascinating reptiles out of spaces where they aren't welcome…

1
Catching Up – Monarchs, Lanternflies, and Zombie Deer? Oh My! 27:32

6M ago27:32

27:32

It's time to catch up with The Backyard Naturalists, your weekly dose of everything wild and wonderful in the natural world! This week, Debbie and Laurie are taking a look back—and a hopeful step forward—as they revisit three important topics that continue to affect our backyards and beyond: the Spotted Lanternfly, Chronic Wasting Disease (aka "Zom…

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